SCPS is the first high school in Georgia to offer a course with DELMIA digital manufacturing software. This program was launched by a student’s parent and former instructor at the school who saw potential for a course of this kind. This course provides added value especially given the local ties in and around Savannah with major corporations who use the same software to design and produce products. The course is taught by Mr. David Small, who brings extensive knowledge and experience in the field of aeronautical engineering. Through his instruction, the students are able to gain introductory knowledge of digital manufacturing software by developing, assembling, and integrating parts into a product for manufacturing.

“The students are even more ambitious than the teachers to engage in new software usage and love the opportunity to be creative,” said Small. “The class has been a huge success as students were able to leverage their math and science courses and develop critical thinking skills.”

According to one student at SCPS, “This class gave me insight into the amount of work and the technology behind the simple products that we use every day. There was a lot of collaboration with the other students in the class, and we were able to learn from each other through trial and error.”

Local corporations that use the same software have done site visits at the school to share examples of how engineers use DELMIA to develop products. Also, students regularly engage in web-based conferences to learn concepts from the Dassault Systèmes’ engineering team. SCPS is also considering a Middle School installation in the future.

The DELMIA software allows manufacturers in any industry to virtually define, plan, create, monitor, and control all production processes. The program’s 3D visualization capability provides the ability to evaluate “what-if” scenarios, make changes, optimize shop floor operations, and identify and eliminate costly errors and design mistakes.

“We are thrilled to support such a progressive school in its new course initiative. SCPS sees the importance of empowering its students with real-world experience before they enter the workforce in this increasingly competitive environment,” said Roy Smolky, DELMIA Worldwide Academic Relations, Dassault Systèmes. “We hope this successful experience will become contagious in forward-thinking schools across the country.”